By Jim Fenton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University equestrian team had two riders take part in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone One championships last spring.

Coach Christine Murphy is looking for the Bears to go one step further this season.

"I'm shooting to get all the way to the nationals this year," said Murphy.

BSU begins the fall portion of its season on Saturday, Oct. 12, by taking part in a show hosted by Boston University and Tufts University at the Holly Hill Show Stables in Hanover.

Five riders return to the Bears' roster while there are seven newcomers, including five freshmen.

Junior Emily Desmond (Braintree, Mass.) and sophomore Abigail Abbott (Wareham, Mass.) are the BSU co-captains on a team that has just three seniors and a pair of juniors.

The Bears have climbed up the regional rankings in recent seasons, moving to the fifth spot among 13 teams.

"Every single year, we've gotten closer and closer to the first spot," said Murphy, who joined the program in 2019. "When I came on, we were ninth in the region.

"Every year, we're getting better. I'm shooting for top three this season."

The five returning riders include Desmond, Abbott, senior Hannah Arsenault (Attleboro, Mass.), senior Alexis Silva (Halifax, Mass.) and sophomore Alyson McKeon (Worcester, Mass.).

Desmond joined Samantha Burke, who was a senior, at the Zone One competition last season in South Hadley.

She was fourth in the limit over fences and placed 10th in the limit flat competition.

"She had a great year," said Murphy. "Her compassion and care and her determination make her so good.

"She continued to ride in the offseason and keeps continuing to improve. She has a lot of drive and dedication."

Abbott had a productive freshman season and seems poised to take the next step for BSU.

"Abby's points are there," said Murphy. "She should be able to go to regionals. She's one of my most talented riders.

"She's been doing this since she was little. She's been able to adapt very well to any kind of horse she rides."

Murphy said that the two captains have provided valuable leadership for the team, which began practicing in September.

"They're definitely very strong advocates for the team," said Murphy, "and they do a good job getting everyone accustomed to how the shows work, the atmosphere. I rely on them a lot."

The freshmen include Kelli Anderson (Tewksbury, Mass.), Becky Costa (Foxborough, Mass.), Julia Max (Salem, N.H.), Melanie Schick-Fernandez (Abington, Mass.) and Kaitlin Volpe (Millis, Mass.).

Max has been among the impressive riders during the preseason.

"She is standing out as a very strong rider," said Murphy. "I'm expecting her to do very well and we're hoping she might get to the point where she could point out by the spring."

The team also includes senior Margaret Harding (Jefferson, Mass.) and junior Maeve Murray (Marshfield, Mass.).

"I think it looks promising," said Murphy. "We were a little stronger last year, but that doesn't mean we can't build up and be strong going forward.

"We have the talent and we can fill every division at this point and we have strong leaders who are bringing everyone together as a team. The team is already bonded and that will make us stronger."